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Digitized by the Internet Archive 
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The Library of Congress 



http://www.archive.org/details/roundtriptofrancOOmill 



Actual Experience of Richard L. Mills 
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 

The 

Round Trip 

to 

France 



"A Soldier's Diary 
Set to Rhyme ' 



Services Rendered by 
RICHARD L. MILLS 



Composed and Written 

by 

ROSIE M. MYER 

RICHARD L. MILLS 



Copyright by 
Richard L. Mills and Rosie M. Myer 

19 2 2 







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JBefcr teat ton 



In HONOR of my FELLOW- 
SOLDIERS I dedicate my book; 

In HONOR of my MOTHER 

that on these lines may look; 

In HONOR of my FRIENDS 

both near and far away; 

In HONOR of my SERVICE 
I gave the U . S . A . 




The ELEVENTH hour the firing ceased, 

The soldier boys would get relief, 

The ELEVENTH day of the ELEVENTH month, 

The Yankees were sure to leave the front. 



Itye Bounb ®rtp to Jfrance 

Enthused to be a soldier, I thought I'd take a chance, 
So I became enlisted, and took a trip to France. 
This was the ninth of June, the truth to you I'll tell, 
The year nineteen and seventeen, you all remember well. 
Being assigned to Company F, of the 7th U. S. Engineers, 
I took my place in line without a thought of fear. 
From Fort Logan, Colorado to Leavenworth was sent, 
Received our first drilling in which our time was spent. 
Our uniforms received, 'twas on the twenty-third, 
The boys put them on without a single word. 
Big athletic contest by the Army on the Fourth, 
A different celebration than we were used to, now of course. 
August twelfth, my soldier birthday, spent training there 

in camp, 
Ere we crossed the wide, wide water, the place we went in 

France. 
"A furlough I received" but then it did not last, 
I saw my friends once more, it was my Christmas pass. 
January first, the New Year's dinner it was fine, 
But when it was all over we had to get in line. 
February first, I became a private, and did my duty well, 
The duty of a private, a soldier boy can tell. 
Fort Leavenworth we're leaving, in Chicago we did dine, 
March first, we reached New Jersey, once more we get in 

line. 
Drilled at Camp Merritt, 'till the water we would cross, 
When the waves grew higher, higher on the water we did 

toss. 
While at Camp Merritt we thought it very fine, 
Once more into the kitchen, I took my place in line. 

Page Seven 



We drilled here and exercised for two weeks every day, 

Until the time would come to get started on our way. 

The coffee it was weak, the bacon it was strong, 

The soldiers' knees began to knock, they marched us right 

along. 
March fifteenth, we crossed the River, 'twas on a ferry boat, 
Were leaving home and loved ones, boys it was no joke. 
Orduna was the ship's name, at last we loaded on, 
To cross the wide, wide water amid the calm and storm. 
Twenty-first, we got so sea-sick, alas! we could not eat, 
Our stomachs were empty, and couldn't use our feet 
Twen':y-sixth, Sergeant Flose passes over, and bids this 

world adieu, 
Gave his all to the U. S. A. as may soldiers do. 
Twenty-eighth, we docked in Liverpool, a place you know 

quite well, 
It's a long, long way from home, the truth to you I'll tell. 
Disembarked on Good Friday, and loaded on the train, 
Winchester, England was the place to which we came. 
The English put us on half rations, thought they'd try us 

out, 
But we were young and rugged, they found us very stout. 
The English were in charge, remember at this time, 
We were waiting tables when e'er we went to dine. 
And when we heard the chow call, down to the beans we'd 

rush, 
While we were eating jam upon a fine brown crust. 
April fifth, we departed South Hampton for to see, 
April sixth, as I remember, we were docked at La Harve. 
Hiked five miles without our breakfast, finally reaching 

camp, 

This is our first time that we dined in France. 
Twelve men to the tent were what they did allow, 
Twelve-thirty was the time, when we got our army chow. 
The rain came down in torrents as in our tent we lay, 
But we were very weary and slept 'till break of day. 
Page Eight 



It was here we saw the prisoners, five hundred Boche in all, 

We began to realize what the army meant to all. 

April seventh, we broke camp at exactly four p. M., 

Hiking for the station to be loaded once again. 

Thirty-six men to the box car was loaded on the track, 

A forty-eight hour ride, our sleeping we did lack. 

April ninth, we were unloaded upon the soil in France, 

Received our barracks bags, for which gave thanks. 

Our first mail came on the nineteenth day, 

From our friends and loved ones far away. 

How the boys did shout when they got the mail, 

The only letters since before they set sail. 

The twentieth of April, we received a treat, 

Of hot cakes and coffee, all we could eat. 

The twenty-second of April, it rained all day, 

Which relieved us from duty, so I will say. 

The Five Heron Sisters visit the Y. M. C. A., 

The twenty-fourth of April, I remember the day, 

They came from New York, you must understand, 

Very best concert from the grand old land. 

Next we received rubber boots and over-sea caps, 

Were prepared and anxious now for a scrap. 

Finished mustering and a lesson in French, 

So as to be ready when we hit the trench. 

May fifteenth, second pay day you know, 

The day of days we look for roll around slow. 

I am kitchen police and assist the cook, 

You are taught by practice don't need any book. 

Mess orderly the next job given to me, 

Waiting on officers, like Adams, you see. 

A nut party next at the Y. M. C A., 

Some fun we had at the close of the day. 

The hulls we saved and placed in the beds, 

I forget just now the half that they said. 

Page Nine 



Five letters received ih<" Insi day of May, 

We greeted the mail with a whoop and Hurrah. 

The month that jusi ended was certainly fine, 

Willi no mud, no rain. I > ■ 1 1 jusi sunshine. 

Three months time, I think was correct, 
Spenl near ii imaucoui i. a hospital to erect. 
The thirtieth of June, on the train we loaded, 

And moved close Io ulnae llie shells exploded. 
The Anould Seel or was where we were hound, 

A five hour hike ere we reached the town, 

We were (juile weary horn carrying the pack, 

For the load is heavy when pul on your hack. 

Ai Le Tholy the FOURTH, bul no chicken as planned, 

Jusi plain eggs and hacon wilhoul cake or ham. 

Fourteenth of July, the Birthday <>l France, 
lhc\ celebrated ii by using the lance. 
We departed Le Tholy on the fifteenth of July, 
Ai seven i\ m. Monday we reached St. Die. 

We were sent in I rinks Io arrive on time, 

For we were nearing the old border line, 

For the roar of the battle would soon begin, 

I remember yet, such a clatter and din. 

Seventeenth of August, such a roar we heard, 

To ihink of hearing was all absurd. 

Five daj s of this, we stood the grief, 

Then h\ others we look our relief. 

Four nights marching to St. Nahord we had, 

We reached ihere, we certainly were glad. 

Three days we spent al the place jusi named. 
Then to Villacourt, a place to be trained. 

l)\\t' week We drilled and done our best, 
I gel in I rim w hen pul Io llie lesl. 
We marched Io Si. \lihcil si\lh of September, 

Ii was a five nights march I well remember. 



I'll in I I II 



The fronl we reached, ii t ;i i 1 1< *« I every night, 
Roads urn- muddy, our clothes were a sight . 
The night of the drive we slept in the woods, 
Or rather we stayed, would slept il we could. 
The tents we pitched, you will now understand, 
For we were there <>n i f »< • old border land. 
Were at Saint Jean and the rain siill fell, 
We were tired and cold and wet, as well. 
The war began at twelve live that night, 
HI ne'er forget that awful sight. 

We knew <|iii!c well llie war had begun, 
And many a Mother must lose her son. 

The shells over-head were passing |,y ? 

No sleep that night, no use to try. 

The morn of the twelfth we marched ri^lii on, 

As soon as daylight began to dawn, 

To the first aid Station to view the men, 

And get our instructions new once again. 

We viewed the prisoners wounded there, 

Wounded and moaning, I'll declare. 

Nine long hours ihe cannons had roared, 

All of this lime the aero-planes soared. 
The Doughboys next go over the top, 

No! turning hack, or once did ihey slop. 
Till six kilometers advance lhe\ make. 

Sixteen thousand prisoners at one rake. 

We lalked with ihern as they gathered ahoul. 
Ale some of their bread, il was all dried out. 

A Boche soldier officer, a Red Cross at that, 

Carried OUr wounded soldier astride of his hack. 
The soldier jusl laughed as he rode him in, 

"A. Boche beats walking, when wounded," said Jim. 
Afternoon we advance and trenches we filled, 

We knew quite well a ro.id we must huihl. 



i '<i<i< /<;/, , , ,, 




"Across 'no man's land' we must have a road, 
To move artillery and the heavy load.' 



Across "no man's land" we must have a road, 

To move artillery and the heavy load. 

We push artillery at night, but alas! 

Here we received our first dose of gas. 

A Hun aero-plane soaring up over-head, 

Brought down two baloons it was said. 

We pushed artillery two more nights, 

The enemy now would soon be in sight. 

Advancing still more to establish a line, 

I remember quite well at five we did dine. 

Doughboys in trenches, advised of the gas, 

Were ready for the Hun and put on the mask. 

The boys in trenches were tired that night, 

Were relieved by others to take up the fight. 

Next move made with the heavy load, 

Was near Thiaucourt to clean up the road. 

Mud and water were throwed in the ditch, 

Worked here with a shovel, this tried our grit. 

Dinner out of camp, our luck that day, 

Ate all the rations that came in our way. 

Shells fell to the right that afternoon, 

Some of our number would be wounded soon 

Afternoon shells pass over, give us a chance, 

But crippled three men as we came into camp. 

Two days Mr. Fugle struggled with life, 

Then passed away 'mid the battle and strife. 

Months passed away the others returned, 

To comrades they left for whom they had yearned. 

Twenty feet, the distance I was from this shell, 

I am glad I was spared the story to tell. 

Twenty-fourth of September, still worked on the road, 

Cleaning it up for the heavier load. 

At nine P. M. was relieved from the front. 

Hiked twenty kilometers, a long hike for once, 

Page Thirteen 



Reached Rosieres-en-Haye at three a. m. 
Thoughl here once more to resl again, 
No laundry done for three weeks time, 
Thoughl here once more our clothes would shine. 
Our clothes in water, soon to he starched, 

When we go1 orders for a hurry up march, 

Our clothes we carried wet from Hie tub, 
Which the wash-lady ordy had lime to rub. 
This was a soldier's life, you see, 
Especially when he belonged to Company C. 
Bui we were soldiers of the Grand U. S. A., 

And was willing to aid from day to day 
One day spent al Limy, fixing the road, 
Al night we marched with our heavy load. 
The Huns shell us at Limy, 1 must state, 
A trench here we look, this was their fate. 
Hack to Corneville twenty-eighth of September, 
Twenty-two kilometers hike I well remember. 
A large barn here was a welcome sight, 
We rested here al leasl four nights. 

Drilled and cleaned up, now I must say, 
And visled here al the Y. VI. ( 1. A. 
Twelve kilometer hike from Corneville, 
To Void, near Toul, ere we reach INixeville. 
This time to Verdun we were hound, 
Al three a. m. were on the ground. 
Up a hig hill we pick our way, 

To the barracks there to sleep 'till day. 

A hath once more, which we desired, 

While at INixeville, ere we retired. 

The woods were dense, harracks hid from view, 

From the aero-planes and the enemy too, 
Then a few hours sleep we did enjoy, 
Willi naught to wake us or annoy. 

Page Fourteen 



On October 3rd, as ive hiked for Ksnes, 

'Twas here the soldiers did nol complain. 
They pitched their tent, bul for one night, 
Next morning rolled their packs and hiked. 
To Dead Man's Hill we next did go, 
Our tents pitched in a large shell hole. 
Road work was next on October fourth. 
For the Beaucoup traffic now of course. 
Two hundred fifty planes now pass o'er, 
To see what the Boche had there in store. 
Esnes was a French town, destroyed by Huns, 
Twas here our troubles once more begun. 
The Germans here one shell did throw, 
But failed to reach us quite, you know. 
Five days rock carried to fix the road, 
So as to get by with the heavy load. 
The stars above us shone out bright, 
As we slept in shell holes five nights. 
Only eight men could eat at one time, 
For fear the Hun might get the line, 
The Officers thought best eight men to lose, 
Than the whole Company, and the Officers too. 
The trench, our resting place at night, 
As we prepared once more to fight. 
"Relieved from duty we march once more, 
Beyond Montfaucon, as ordered before." 
Dig holes, pitch tents and the like, 
Next morning leave packs and hike. 
To Cunel, we march, ten kilometers away, 
This happened on the thirtieth day. 
To this we found no real objection, 
For here the woods were our protection. 
The Huns were as near as they could be, 
But we got busy now, don't you see. 



Page Fifteen 




"Relieved from duty we march once more, 
Beyond Montfaucon as ordered before." 



All but Company C go over the top, 

At Madeleine farm without a stop. 

Company C was left the road to (i\. 

So artillerj could move up quick. 

Thirty-first of October, the Halloween joke, 

The Hun got shrapnel and plenty of smoke. 

A corduroy road we built out of tree, 

Wood the enemy could not detect, you see. 

Road work next in Cunel, the first of November, 

Huns shelling, we returned three P. M., I remember. 

The Great Argonne drive was now begun, 

The place where we had to fight or run. 

We worked so late without stopping to dine, 

The mess sergeant once more came down the line. 

At the half-way Station by chance we meet, 

Hot cakes and coffee, all we could eat. 

A bridge we were building on that afternoon, 

It was dark and raining, couldn't finish so soon. 

On the third of November we rested all day, 

Not a scrap of paper, couldn't write I'll say. 

At nine-thirty that night we woke from our slumber, 

Not just a part, but the whole of our number. 

A very important duty, so it was said, 

Capt. Myers being sick, by whom we were led, 

But Gates took his place, so no time was lost, 

To build the bridge on which we must cross. 

"Brieulles, the place to which we were sent, 

On the canal and river Meuse a bridge to invent." 

It was raining hard, the night dark and dreary, 

We marched right on, although we were weary. 

Holding to comrades in front to keep in line, 

Regardless of cost, must reach there on time. 

Repeat, wire, shell-hole, or what e'er might be, 

So others wouldn't stumble and fall, don't you see. 



Page Seventeen 



1 1 1 


L^L^..,. if *** J 


*«**» *SEL. SJSSBi^l T ' 





"Brleulles the 
< >n i he canal 



place to which 
Hid river Mues< 



were sent 
bridge t<> Invent. 



Six kilometers we hiked, trying our Company to shield, 

We were stopped South of Brieulles, oul in a field. 

A two hours resl in the field was compelling, 

Brieulles, l)\ the Nun-, now were still shelling. 

Ai midnighl two kilometers back we did hike, 

And rested the remainder of thai terrible night. 

The ground being muddy, no place to lie down. 

We were wet and cold, noi a star to shine down. 

A radiator of a truck, mj bed thai night, 

Lighl packs and raincoats, no cover in sight 

The Company almost froze, for I will long remember, 

Thai this awful nighl was the third of November. 

The morning dawned, we wenl hack to Camp, 

Stayed Vdl two-thirty, then we advance. 

Our picks and shovels we musl carry, 

The French were ready, we could not tarry. 

The boats now read) and the irifantrj too, 

Company A ai work, we soon pass thru. 

"The shells siill falling as we marched through the <ii\. 

As we viewed the ruins ii seemed such a pity," 

The ioad near the river, we now musl repair, 

And assisi vviih the boats in a canal over there. 

The footings completed, the infantry now pass. 

To gel near the I lun which were there in a mass. 
Machine guns were aclive. we were ahnosl aslounded, 
When a doughbo) shouled "Oh, I am wounded/' 

They carried him hack, this will I mention, 

To where he gol aid and also attention. 

Ai four-thirty a. m. Company (1 passes over, 

A hank for protection, dig holes for a cover. 

No supper thai night, the battle was roaring, 

INo breakfasl nexl morning, the planes were soaring. 

We stayed in the hole3 our only protection, 

Ai three P. m. hard-tack eaten withoul objection. 

Page Nineteen 




"The shells still falling as we marched through the city. 
As we viewed the ruins, it seemed such a pity." 



We go over the top on the sixth of November, 

Exploding mines our duty, I still remember. 

The infantry passed on, nine kilometers they made, 

Pushing the enemy back that had tried to invade. 

Two men's belongings were here tied together, 

And hauled to the canal, regardless of weather. 

Some lost their belongings amid all this rush, 

Some of the boys sat down then and cussed. 

Next was road work, on canal, in Liny too, 

Eight kilometers hike to Fontaines when through, 

Boche quarters here we reached once more, 

Taking possession of things in store. 

This was much better, now I must say, 

Than quarters we had for many a day. 

Worked roads south of Fontaines the eighth of November, 

Ate a corn Willie dinner, I well remember. 

Reached camp at four-thirty, dark and still raining, 

Eat supper was the order, for we were in training, 

Draw reserve ration and roll up your pack, 

Were ready to go when they ordered us back. 

We enjoyed the rest and slept that night, 

It was raining so hard that the roads were a sight. 

Next morning we marched through Murvaux to work, 

On a narrow gauge railroad, we did not shirk. 

The eleventh infantry advance, four P. M. again, 

And we reach Boche Huts, we did not complain. 

For the shells fell near us all of that night, 

And these Boche huts, to us, were a welcome sight. 

The Company with the regiment was now ordered up, 

Twas eight-thirty A. M. we leave the Boche huts. 

Light packs we make and forward we go, 

To a place near Louppy to combat the foe. 

Fourth platoon in the Bois-de-Remoiville at work, 

First and second, building a bridge, did not shirk. 

Page Tiventy-one 



One kilometer west of Louppy, near the road, 

Huns placed five shells there to explode. 

We turn to the left and cross the stream, 

Turning back to the river when we were seen. 

By our Captain from Louppy saying, "Company down" 

Just our third platoon were on the ground. 

We jerked our breech covers, prepared for a fight, 

Huns threw over a barrage, that was a sight. 

We were ordered out, went back to the wood, 

We took care of ourselves the best we could. 

There was lots of traffic, the roads were lined, 

With thirteenth M. G. Fords to arrive on time. 

Animal trains were a plenty, 'tis One P. M. 

Just before we reached the woods again. 

A Boche plane viewed it all and tried to bomb, 

It failed to explode, which helped us some. 

The Hun artillery threw beaucoup shells, 

Which caught our troops and train as well, 

Here killing one officer and two other men, 

Wounding thirteen others, besides animals then. 

We drew rations and coffee, when a shell got our cook, 

Another shell fell near ere a few steps we took. 

West side of the woods, rest of our Company was found, 

We trenched ourselves here a while in the ground. 

This was the TENTH of November, I remember well, 

No tents were pitched, the truth, I'll tell. 

The night was frosty, we slept on the ground, 

They shelled and bombed the country 'round. 

My worst night in the Army, I will say, 

Each man responsible for his life till day. 

The woods were now left, ere twilight fell, 

We received no more of the enemies shell. 

For November the ELEVENTH was "Armistice Day," 

The news came while at breakfast, now I must say. 

Pagt Twenty-two 



The hurrahs that were given were very loud, 

They almost seemed to ascend to the clouds. 

We continued road work to Louppy, when ordered to slop. 

We were certainly glad, the shovels to drop. 

"The ELEVENTH hour the firing ceased, 

The soldier boys would get relief, 

The ELEVENTH day of the ELEVENTH month, 

The Yankees were sure to leave the front." 

The Allies will never forget this day, 

As well as others and the U. S. A. 

It was a joy no tongue can ever tell, 

To the soldier boy and home as well. 

"Those whiz bang shells, no more pass by, 

No Mother's son need fight or die." 

We next went to Louppy, a warehouse we found, 

Took homes in Boche huts, didn't sleep on the ground. 

Flares were sent up by both sides that night. 

We slept very sound, without fear or fright. 

The tenth of November, darkest day in the army, 

Eleventh the best, for we were in harmony. 

The twelfth we were on burial detail at Jametz, 

A day the soldiers will never forget. 

"The thirteenth hiked back, to the river Meuse, 

Pitch ten's at Liny, count those we lose," 

Sixteenth November, on orders we wait. 

These were the orders, now I will state, 

"Dig in eighteen inches below the surface," they said, 

In order to pitch tents and fix up a bed. 

Next came tent inspection, at one P. M. 

Fall in under arms one hour, then out again. 

We next march to Liny, a bath to take, 

No water was found, our bath was a fake. 

We next march to Dun and no water there, 

We return to camp quite tired, I declare. 

Page Twenty-three 





"Those whiz bang shells no more pass by, 
No Mother's son must fight or die." 




"The thirteenth hiked back, to the river Meuse, 
Pitch tents at Liny, count those we lose." 



"Roll packs and eat supper," the orders came next, 

"One squad fill the holes," the soldiers were vexed. 

We were left behind, the rest marched on, 

Reach Fontaines at midnight, our duty done. 

At Fontaines a bath we get once more, 

For plenty of water was there in store. 

Oh Joy ! we were glad, the nineteenth of November, 

We could write to loved ones, I remember, 

And send our address, not "somewhere in France." 

But the name of the town as we advance. 

We now camp at Louppy but for one night, 

The next morning roll our pack and hike. 

Twenty-eight kilometers, we hike though it rains, 

But a soldier is taught to never complain. 

Six hours we hike ere we stop to dine, 

Thirty-five soldiers had fallen out of line. 

Our shoes were of the English make, 

Not made for comfort, but for style's sake. 

I fell out once, then changed my mind, 

For I did not want to be left behind. 

I hurried on though my feet were sore, 

To catch my comrades, gone before. 

Twenty-seventh, special duty, troops go by train, 

Once more I hike eighteen kilometers again. 

Our packs were hauled and I lost mine, 

I was K. P. when e'er we dined. 

Thanksgiving day in Rehon we spent, 

Near Luxemberg we were content. 

A store house here, with pickles and jam, 

Left by the Germans for Uncle Sam. 

I w r as on guard the first of December, 

The second was pay day, I remember. 

From Rehon to Sandweiler we depart by truck, 

We get to view Luxemberg, this was our luck. 

Page Twenty-five 



Seventeenth ol December at eight a. iyi.. 

We lake our packs and hike again. 

This time al Rumelange, near Esch, we land, 

Twas a six hour hike a sandwich <ii hand. 

Here we make our home nil on July the eighth, 

The year Nineteen and nineteen, now III state, 

The thirtieth ol December was the Divisional Parade, 

In which ihe I ). S. ( !. men did engage 

January firs! a holiday, in the Kuraal II. ill 

Prize fighting and program the besl ol all 

My platoon go to Sanem on the second day, 

W.i- oil detach service, ;i month to stay. 

We now move. to Bascharge before we stop, 

10 an ammunition hm and move it out. 
The Germans had this for us in store, 
Bui they had moved on as oh before. 
January fourth my Christmas box came, 
h did not seem just quite the same. 
Absence makes the heart grow fonder, 
Oh I sal in France and pondered 

[f the loved ones over there 
Was offering up a daily prayer. 
( )r il they longed for our Return, 

This is a lesson they mils! learn. 

The concert given by ihe Artillery hand, 

11 eoidd not he healen in any land. 

Company A relieves us, we return again 

This time by truck, there was no Main. 

Big inspection bj Ely, on February third, 

I next go <>n guard, posl live, not a word. 

The shows were enjoyed by the ^anks in France, 

We heard the Artillery Band bj chance. 

Ihe k. of C. and ihe whiz bang show, 
Were e\ha line, we all did gO. 

I'd il< Til i ll I ii 



President Wilson now to Bresl arrives, 

To sec if he could not contrive, 

A peace treat) with the Council there, 

And end the war, thai had been declared. 

The Libert) Bells to \<>n I will mention, 

The soldiers to ihis gave all their attention, 

Played by four American ^irls and a man III sa\. 

This made ns think of friends SO far away. 

II. I). Price, my friend, leaves for the U. S. A. 
The twenty-eighth of April he is on his way. 
An honorable discharge i<> him ihey grant, 
His duly io the U. S. A. was done in France. 

A tWO weeks furlough I receive ne\| day, 
I go tO Nice a while Io slay . 

"Thirtieth of April General Pershing inspects 

The Fifth Division Io see il all is correct." 

The day before this the snow fell, 

And covered the ground, iwas cold as well. 

Hni we leave lor Bettembourg, pass through IVIeiz again, 

And we reach Is-sin -Tille al ihree-lhirly A. M. 
A bath al Is-sin Tille we did enjoy, 
New clolhes were issued, I say "Oh Boy !" 
Nexl day we pass down the Rhone valley, 
On the I*. L. IY1. railroad, we were so happy. 

Pass Marseilles al noon but keep on our way, 

Till seven P. M. reach Nice where we slay. 

We're assigned i<> Nations Hotel, a good place to eat, 

Good beds al night, we soon fell asleep. 

We visii the Roman ruined lower ihe fifth of May, 

Also the gambling Casino ihe very same day. 

The Q. M. C, and ihe S. 0. S. show, we saw thai night, 

Best shows we saw since we wenl Io fight. 

Souvenirs we sent, the sevenlh of May, 

To Our friends and loved ones lar away. 

Page Twent u seven 





m 


S 

A^ 


¥ 


ipHMb *t&**** 









"Thirtieth of April General Pershing- inspects 
The Fifth division to see if all is correct." 



May twelfth we arise, three-fifteen A. M. 

Eat breakfast four-thirty once again. 

Pass Toul and Ragny on St. Mehiel front, 

The towns which were shelled so badly once. 

We reach our Company in Luxemberg, 

This was the news that we had heard, 

That "we for home," now soon would start, 

And from the French we would depart. 

But the orders were cancelled, I'll say to you, 

Our hopes then vanished like the dew. 

Memorial day at Luxemberg in May, 

We will ne'er forget till we are grey. 

Our comrades left behind, although we won, 

Were buried there, their duty done. 

They gave their all to the U. S, A. 

Their friends, their life, we all must say. 

That we might live in peace again, 

Enjoy the freedom they bought with pain. 

The peace treaty signed, twenty-eighth of June, 

Oh Joy! the soldiers won't forget it soon. 

They dream of Mother, Home and Friends, 

So glad the war has come to an end. 

July eighth we hike to Esch, six kilometers away, 

And we pass over the British front that day. 

The fighting is over, we stood the test, 

We are starting now on our way to Brest. 

Forty men to the box car on the track, 

Is the way we ride as we start back. 

Three days the time to arrive in Brest, 

S. 0. S. inspection, we stood the test. 

We were leaving France the fifteenth of July, 

We were very happy but need not tell you why. 

"The U. S. S. Radnor at last we loaded on, 

To cross the wide, wide water amid the calm and storm." 

Page Twenty-nine 



"The U. S. S. Radnor at last we loaded on, 
To cross the wide, wide water, amid the calm and storm." 



A thirteen days voyage before we did arrive, 
At Hoboken, New Jersey, glad we were alive. 
For we were very sea-sick the day we started out, 
The water ver\ high mid-ocean and the ship tossed about. 
Twenty-eighth of July we landed at Hoboken, 
Many cheers went up, kind words were spoken. 
We fought the battle bravely till victory was gained, 
Then time passed very slowly while in France we were de- 
tained. 
The last day of July, I remember well the date, 
The breaking up of the Engineers, leaving for their states. 
Many farewells here were spoken as we bade a last adieu, 
With our comrades who were leaving, "Farewell boys, good 

luck to you." 
Des Moines, Iowa, was the Camp to which I went, 
August fourth I was discharged, leaving with their consent. 
I hastened home to loved ones, waiting for me there, 
For 'round the family hearth had been three vacant chairs, 
All three of us were brothers who had joined the Stars and 

Stripes, 
Early then we had enlisted, was not drafted there to fight. 
Twenty-six months I spent in service, trying hard the flag 

to shield, 
Was twice upon the front in battle where the enemy had to 

yield. 
Working roads and building bridges, shells exploding right 
and left. 

But I was spared to tell the story, comrades died and laid 
to rest. 

They had fought the battle bravely till their life had ebbed 
away, 

Many Mothers still are weeping for their sons from day to 
day. 

Here my story now is ended and I wish just to recall, 

To my comrades spared in battle, there's a duty yet for all. 

Page Thirty-one 



In this broad, big world of action there are duties still un- 
done, 
Let us try and help each other, as in the battle we have won. 

Richard L. Mills. 
Written by Rosie M. Myer, 
Jan. 28, 1922. 



CHANGE STEP 

We walk into a restaurant and ask for Cafe 
Also, des oufs e't jambon, 
For Bread we say "du Pain," 
With additional "S' il vous play." 

Quand fini, we say "combein?" 

Cinq francs trois sous tres bein. 

In U. S. A. these days its always a BILL 

But in Francaise its Frank and Sue. 

— R. L. M. 



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Page Thirty-two 



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